The 12 days of Christmas may begin on December 25 but the four days of Solstice start on December 21. Each day from June to December, the Sun comes up in the East, a little further towards the South*. It now stops creeping along the horizon and rises in the very same spot each day until, on Christmas Day, it starts slowly edging North-east again. Most of us, these days, hardly notice. To our ancestors, though, it was clear that the great bringer of light was waning in power and refusing to move. It needed to be sung to!

*In Australia, the Solstice marks the shortest night and the time of the Suns maximum power. While an Ozzie Christmas is a joyous event, its a celebration of Summer rather than a time to chase away winter gloom.
You can read more about the solstice here.

Dear Jonathan, Financially the world faces catastrophe. The system will not cope. Every town will have a tent city soon. Prepare your readers. Joe

Dear Jonathan, Why such fuss over the economic crisis? My partner and I have a business. As long as we nourish ourselves with positive thoughts, we thrive. We avoid news and conversations about how terrible things are. We read books about creating wealth through visualisation. Remind everyone: what you focus on becomes your reality! Sharona

Dear Joe and Sharona, 2009 may not be as good as some hope, but it wont be as bad as many fear.

Today's forecasts cover Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Jonathan will be back with fresh forecasts on 26th December.

In the past, at this time of year, I'd write spoof predictions. After all, what's an astrologer supposed to say? Expect presents, prepare to over-indulge and try not to throttle your parent, partner or sibling? But, then, the world became so bizarre, there was nothing left to ridicule and a credit crunch filled millions with fear of the future. I still maintain that this will not turn out to bring the global catastrophe that many seem to fear. Im working hard now, on my predictions for 2009. They are realistic and positive. For now, if you're worried, relax.

Merry Christmas. And to my fellow vegetarians: Have a wonderful... nut roast!

These forecasts cover Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Jonathan will be back with fresh forecasts on 26th December.

In the past, at this time of year, I'd write spoof predictions. After all, what's an astrologer supposed to say? Expect presents, prepare to over-indulge and try not to throttle your parent, partner or sibling? But, then, the world became so bizarre, there was nothing left to ridicule and a credit crunch filled millions with fear of the future. I still maintain that this will not turn out to bring the global catastrophe that many seem to fear. Im working hard now, on my predictions for 2009. They are realistic and positive. For now, if you're worried, relax.

Your forecast today begins with a quote. I often use this device just after Christmas. I have, in the past, begun predictions with the words of spiritual teachers, great poets, religious leaders and comedians. This year, I have carefully selected a remark for each sign from the many poignant comments that famous people have been heard to make in 2008. If you want to be reminded of the year we are now leaving, look through all the forecasts, not just your own. You may be amazed to learn who has said what... and why.

Later this week, the civil calendar will bring us to the start of a new year. The cosmic calendar begins more naturally in March - when the Sun enters Aries. Or perhaps during the June or December Solstice. New Moons make good times for new starts, too. It's not necessarily an ideal time for everyone of every sign to be making a resolution, not least because Saturn changes direction on New Year's Eve. That's a very strong suggestion that if you make a resolution, you'll find it surprisingly easy to keep. All well and good as long as you're sure you mean it!